Secondary School Cut-Off Points Singapore 2026: Full List

Choosing a secondary school after the PSLE can be challenging for students and parents in Singapore. The secondary school cut-off point gives families a useful starting point for comparing schools and understanding which options may suit their child’s PSLE results.

For the 2026 Secondary 1 intake, the published cut-off points are based on the 2025 PSLE cohort. They vary by school, Posting Group and admission route. A lower score represents a more competitive entry point, but it does not automatically mean that a school is better for every student.

This guide explains how to read PSLE cut-off points, compare schools and plan your six Secondary 1 choices.

TL;DR — Secondary School Cut-Off Points at a Glance

• A secondary school cut-off point (COP) is the PSLE score of the last student posted to a school through a particular admission route.
• The 2026 Secondary 1 intake uses PSLE results from 2025.
• Lower PSLE Achievement Level (AL) scores are better.
• Cut-off points differ across Posting Groups, Integrated Programme (IP) schools and affiliated admission routes.
• Previous-year COPs help parents shortlist schools, but they do not guarantee admission in a future intake.

What Is a Secondary School Cut-Off Point?

A secondary school cut-off point is the PSLE score of the last student admitted to a school through a particular route during the Secondary 1 Posting Exercise. It reflects the outcome of that year’s admissions rather than a fixed entry requirement.

Singapore’s PSLE scoring system uses Achievement Levels, with a lower total score indicating stronger performance. The four subject scores—English Language, Mathematics, Science and Mother Tongue Language—are added to calculate the overall PSLE score.

When comparing school cut-off points, pay attention to the highest score admitted, which represents the cut-off, rather than the lowest score in the published range. The lowest score shows the strongest-performing student admitted, not the minimum score required.

Parents should also distinguish between the 2026 intake and the upcoming 2027 intake. Historical figures can help with planning, but actual admission outcomes depend on the relevant year’s school choices, vacancies and posting rules.

Secondary School Cut-Off Points by School in Singapore

The table below provides selected examples of published cut-off points for the 2026 Secondary 1 intake. These figures are historical reference points, not guaranteed admission scores.

Note: These are selected school examples, not the complete list of Singapore secondary schools. IP schools and affiliated admission routes may have different cut-off points.

When comparing schools, check the relevant Posting Group and admission route. For affiliated schools, the cut-off for students from the affiliated primary school may differ from the non-affiliated cut-off. Some schools also have specialised admission arrangements, so not every school will have a figure in all columns.

PSLE Score Ranges for Posting Groups 1, 2 and 3

Singapore uses three Posting Groups for Secondary 1 admission. These groups help determine students’ initial subject-level options under Full Subject-Based Banding.

For Posting Group 1 eligibility at PSLE scores of 26–30, students generally need AL7 or better in both English Language and Mathematics.

These are general eligibility ranges, not individual school COPs. A student may be eligible for a Posting Group but still not secure a place at a particular school. Check the applicable admission conditions when making school choices.

IP vs Non-IP and Affiliated vs Non-Affiliated COPs

The Integrated Programme (IP) offers a pathway that allows students to progress towards the A-Level, International Baccalaureate or another relevant qualification without taking the Singapore-Cambridge O-Level examination at the end of Secondary 4.

IP cut-off points should be compared separately from the Posting Group cut-offs of non-IP schools. The admission routes and programmes are different, so comparing the figures as though they represent identical pathways can be misleading.

Affiliation is another important factor. Some secondary schools have affiliated primary schools, and eligible affiliated students may have a different cut-off point from non-affiliated applicants. However, affiliation does not guarantee a place.

Before shortlisting a school, check whether the published score applies to the correct admission route, whether affiliation conditions are met and whether the school offers a programme that suits your child’s interests.

How to Choose Secondary Schools Based on Your PSLE Score

Use the previous intake’s cut-off points as a guide when planning your six Secondary 1 choices. A balanced shortlist should consider both the score range and the suitability of each school.

For example, a student with a PSLE score of 15 may compare schools with a PG3 cut-off of 13, 15 and 18. The school with a cut-off of 13 was more competitive in that intake, while the other figures provide different historical comparisons. None guarantees the same outcome in a future year.

List schools in genuine order of preference and use all six choices where appropriate. Avoid choosing a school solely because its COP is low or because it appears high on an unofficial ranking list.

Why Do Secondary School Cut-Off Points Change Every Year?

Secondary school COPs can change because students’ school preferences, PSLE scores and the number of available places vary between admission exercises. Tie-breakers and the relevant admission route can also affect posting outcomes.

A school that had a cut-off point of 15 in one intake may have a different figure the following year. This is why parents should treat historical cut-off points as planning references rather than fixed entry requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good secondary school cut-off point?

There is no single good COP for every student. A lower number indicates a more competitive entry point, but school suitability also depends on programmes, learning environment, location and the student’s interests.

Does meeting the COP guarantee admission?

No. A previous year’s COP is not a guarantee of admission in a future intake. The outcome depends on that year’s applications, vacancies, admission rules and tie-breakers.

Where can parents check official PSLE cut-off points?

Parents can use the Ministry of Education’s SchoolFinder and official Secondary 1 posting information to check school details and understand the relevant admission routes.

Do secondary school cut-off points change every year?

Yes. COPs can change as student preferences, PSLE results and available places change from one intake to another.

How should parents use previous-year COPs?

Use them to compare schools and create a balanced shortlist. Check the correct Posting Group, affiliation status and programme, and consider school fit rather than relying on the score alone.

Conclusion

Secondary school cut-off points in Singapore help parents understand past admission outcomes and plan their child’s next education step. Compare the correct PSLE score ranges and admission routes, explore each school’s programmes and use all six choices thoughtfully. Always verify the latest published information before making final Secondary 1 school selections.